LCL Pi Gameboy Review: A DIY Raspberry Pi Handheld
ChangLiang Li · 2017-01-01
The LCL Pi Gameboy is a custom handheld gaming device built around a Raspberry Pi, offering retro gaming emulation in a classic Gameboy form factor. It features a 3.5-inch IPS display, up to 1 GB RAM, and a 7000 mAh battery.
Overview
The LCL Pi Gameboy, crafted by ChangLiang Li, is a DIY-style handheld gaming console that repurposes a Raspberry Pi (3A+, 3B, or 3B+) into a portable retro gaming machine. It mimics the iconic Gameboy design while packing modern internals for emulating classic consoles up to the PlayStation 1 era. With a large 7000 mAh battery and a 3.5-inch IPS screen, it offers extended play sessions and vibrant visuals.
Key Specs Highlights
- Processor: Broadcom BCM2837B0 (1.4 GHz) or BCM2837 (1.2 GHz), quad-core Cortex-A53
- Memory: 512 MB DDR2 (3A+) or 1 GB DDR2 (3B, 3B+)
- Display: 3.5-inch IPS, 480x320 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio, 60 Hz
- Storage: External MicroSD card
- Battery: 7000 mAh
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet (3B, 3B+)
- Audio: Mono speaker, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Weight: 363 grams
- Dimensions: 146 x 89 x 31 mm
Who It Is For
The LCL Pi Gameboy is ideal for retro gaming enthusiasts and tinkerers who enjoy DIY projects. It suits players who want to emulate systems like SNES, PS1, and N64 on the go, and who appreciate a customizable, open-source platform. However, it may not be for those seeking a polished, out-of-the-box experience, as it requires some setup and knowledge of Raspberry Pi.
Buying Notes
The device was released around 2017 with a starting price of $195, and typically ranges between $150 and $200. It is available in multiple translucent and solid colors. Since it uses a Raspberry Pi, performance varies by model: the 3B+ offers the best speed. Note that N64 and NDS emulation may not be full speed. The device lacks video output and vibration. Check for current availability from third-party sellers or DIY kits.
| CPU | Cortex-A53 |
|---|---|
| GPU | Broadcom VideoCore IV |
| Name | LCL Pi Gameboy |
| Brand | ChangLiang Li |
| Memory | 512 MB DDR2 (3A+) / 1 GB DDR2 (3B, 3B+) |
| Weight | 363 grams |
| Battery | 7000 mAh |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | External MicroSD |
| Grip Type | Vertical |
| Processor | Broadcom BCM2837B0 / Broadcom BCM2837 |
| Body Color | Black, Black Transparent, DMG Gray, Orange Transparent, Green Transparent, Transparent, Orange, White |
| Dimensions | 146 mm x 89 mm x 31 mm |
| Screen PPI | 164.83 |
| Price Range | $150 - $200 |
| Screen Size | 3.5 inches |
| Screen Type | IPS |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet (3B, 3B+) |
| Release Date | 2017 |
| Screen Ratio | 3:2 |
| CPU Frequency | 1.4 GHz (3A+, 3B+) / 1.2 GHz (3B) |
| Shell Material | Plastic |
| Starting Price | $195 |
| Operating System | Open-source system |
| Screen Resolution | 480 x 320 |
| GPU Core Frequency | 300 MHz |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| CPU Cores and Threads | 4 cores 4 threads |
| Emulator Game Support | SNES FX and 3D PS1 (60 FPS), N64 and NDS (playable, but may not run at full speed) |